Maruti Suzuki is once again gearing up to shake up the SUV market, but not in the way many expected. While earlier reports suggested the automaker was developing a 7-seater SUV to compete with the likes of Kia Carens and Hyundai Alcazar, a new report by Autocar India has revealed that the company has pivoted its focus towards launching a new 5-seater SUV – likely to be named the Maruti Suzuki Escudo.
What is the Maruti Suzuki Escudo?
The Escudo is reportedly being developed as a mid-size SUV positioned between the Maruti Brezza and Grand Vitara, aimed squarely at high-volume segments currently dominated by Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.Initially conceived as a 7-seater, changing market dynamics and consumer preferences have led Maruti Suzuki to reimagine the SUV as a more compact 5-seater alternative. The vehicle is internally codenamed Y17 and will be sold via the Nexa premium dealership network, continuing the brand’s effort to push into higher-tier product offerings.
Powertrain and Platform Details
Autocar reports that the upcoming SUV will be built on Suzuki’s Global C Platform—the same architecture used in the Grand Vitara. Here’s what we can expect under the hood:
| Variant | Engine Type | Power Output |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol | 104 HP |
| CNG | 1.5L Bi-fuel | 88 HP |
| Hybrid | 1.5L Strong Hybrid | 116 HP |
The SUV is also likely to offer manual and automatic transmission options, and potentially even an AWD drivetrain, mirroring options seen in the Grand Vitara.
Will the 7-Seater Still Launch?
While the idea of a 7-seater from Maruti had generated substantial buzz, the company’s strategic shift indicates a reassessment of priorities. The brand seems to believe that the mid-size 5-seater SUV market offers more volume potential, especially with demand cooling for larger family SUVs.
“The Escudo could be a game-changer if priced aggressively below the Creta and Seltos,” said an automotive analyst familiar with the development.
Pricing and Positioning
The Escudo is expected to be more affordable than the Grand Vitara, making it an ideal option for buyers seeking a premium SUV experience without crossing into higher price brackets.
With the Creta, Seltos, and even Kia Sonet in its crosshairs, Maruti Suzuki is expected to price the Escudo very competitively, leveraging its massive production scale and supplier network.
Summary: What We Know So Far
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Suzuki Escudo (Expected) |
| Platform | Global C |
| Seating | 5-Seater |
| Launch | 2025 |
| Competitors | Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Kia Sonet |
| Dealership Network | Nexa |
| Fuel Options | Petrol, CNG, Hybrid |
| AWD Option | Likely |
| Expected Price Range | Below Grand Vitara |
Final Thoughts
Although Maruti Suzuki hasn’t officially confirmed many of these details, the Escudo project appears to be moving swiftly towards production. If Maruti can balance pricing, features, and performance, the Escudo could very well become a formidable rival in the mid-size SUV segment.
